Donkeys get a breather as brick kiln workers turn to tractors

Animal Rahat has helped 16 brick kilns become donkey-free and taken more than 200 donkeys into retirement care at its sanctuary

Replacing donkeys with mini-tractors has benefitted brick kiln workers in more ways than one, a new study published in the International Journal of Education and Social Science Research, revealed. The study examined the socioeconomic impact of NGO Animal Rahat's mechanisation programme, which provides direct assistance to brick kiln workers throughout Maharashtra.

According to a press release issued to the media, the authors of the new study interviewed former donkey guardians - now tractor owners - who all reported that they were able to haul bricks in less time while earning more between October-May brick kiln season. The study concluded that replacing donkeys with mini-tractors had multiple benefits.

"Since using a tractor meant not having to bear the off-season cost of feeding the donkeys, they were able to find other work and were no longer dependent on advance taken from the brick kiln owners for the next season. Freed from debt, the new tractor owners were able to afford bigger homes. They had more time to spend with friends and family, and they spoke about their work with pride. Since the initiative started in 2017, Animal Rahat has helped 16 brick kilns become donkey-free and taken more than 200 donkeys into retirement care at its sanctuary, free of charge," the press release stated.

The NGO also claims that brick kiln owners expressed how mechanisation freed them from the obligations of settling disputes with farmers whose crops were eaten by grazing donkeys. "Replacing donkeys with eco-tractors benefits everyone, from the donkeys to their former owners to the kiln owners," says Animal Rahat COO Dr Naresh Upreti. "Animal Rahat is ready to help more families improve their lot in life and free donkeys from back-breaking work in the brick kilns," he added. The NGO adds that donkeys used in brick kilns are commonly overburdened and forced to carry more than 50 bricks at a time in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees.

"Many animals are so malnourished that their ribs protrude - and because the donkeys are left on the road after work to forage, many meet with accidents that cause serious injuries. Animal Rahat's team has found that more than 80 per cent of donkeys suffered from painful wounds during brick kiln season, while 50 per cent were found with injuries during the off-season," states the press release. Animal Rahat's staff provide animals in need with veterinary services, rescue animals, raise community awareness, and provide care to abandoned and retired animals.

80
Percentage of donkeys who suffered from wounds